Ranked 5 of 6 in best media players
Free and open source with precise keyboard control and scripting on Windows, macOS and Linux. It has no graphical menus by default, so it is harder to learn than VLC.
Best for Keyboard-driven playback and scripting
About mpv
mpv is a media player for the command line, and it also runs as a desktop player. Its site describes it as a free, open-source and cross-platform media player that supports a wide variety of media formats. It is built to be scripted and configured by hand, and its installation page lists builds for Windows, macOS and Linux.
mpv is released under GPL-2.0 and developed on GitHub. It has no graphical menus by default, so a new user must learn its keyboard controls and configuration files. Its strength is precise playback control and scripting, which suits power users and developers. For a player with menus and a simpler start, VLC or IINA are easier choices.
Key features
- Command-line playback
- Scriptable and configurable
- Wide format support
- Open source, GPL-2.0 licensed
Strengths
- Free and open source under GPL-2.0
- Precise keyboard control and scripting
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
Limits
- No graphical menus by default
- Steeper learning curve than VLC
Where mpv ranks
| List | Rank | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Media players | 5 of 6 | 82.5 | Keyboard-driven playback and scripting |
Questions about mpv
- Is mpv free?
- mpv can be used without paying: Free and open source under GPL-2.0. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is mpv open source?
- Yes. mpv publishes its source code under the GPL-2.0 license.
- Which platforms does mpv support?
- mpv is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- What is mpv best for?
- Keyboard-driven playback and scripting. In our ranking of media players it is number 5 of 6 with a score of 82.5.
- What are the best alternatives to mpv?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are VLC media player, Plex, Jellyfin, Kodi.